How to Navigate Job Cuts in the Tech Sector

Many folks in the tech community are going through something I’ve experienced many times in my career: a layoff. I've faced the unexpected storm of layoffs four times❗️in my 26-year career. And yet, I've managed to keep my time unemployed to mere weeks (about six weeks, I think). Before I get into my tips on what to do when you find yourself suddenly looking, please know that none were easy. Each layoff was unique and had differing levels of difficulty. I struggled with these tips, too. First and foremost, give yourself grace! I found the following to be extremely helpful: 💪🏼 Embrace Reality: Treat the situation as a neutral event. It can be hard to do, and you are always allowed to feel the emotions. Recognize it’s now time to move your career forward. 🎯 Reflect and Define: Write down your strengths and be clear about what you possess. What's your ideal next role? Clarity here is probably the biggest strength you’ll have going forward. 🧑💻 Bridge the Learning Gap: Identify skills you may need to polish or acquire. Online courses, webinars, mentorship – choose your learning focus. ✍️ Tailor Your Resume: Customize it for the role you’re eyeing. Generic resumes don’t perform as well, for obvious reasons. 📣 Be Open About Your Job Search: There's no shame in being open about your job search. Use LinkedIn and other social platforms to your advantage (Network, network, network). 📋 Organize Your Opportunities: Keep track of job leads and interviews. I used spreadsheets to weigh factors like mission and personal alignment, salary and benefits, and when to follow up. 🏓 Practice Makes Perfect: Are your interview skills rusty? Taking time to sharpen them pays dividends. 💭 Remember, You’re Not Alone: Open conversations can be a game changer. There's immense power in community support. I’m cheering for you!!! 🙌🏼 👉 Your Turn: Have you experienced a layoff and bounced back? How did you navigate through them? Let's share experiences and tips in the comments below – your story might be the beacon someone needs today! #CareerResilience #JobSearchStrategies #LayoffLessons #LinkedInCommunity

🌀 Dear friends - if you or someone you know were recently laid off, this post is dedicated for you. Here are 3 tips from my years working in HR and helping employees navigate this transition that I hope will support you during this time: 🎯 Secure your foundation: Prioritize immediate finances by filing for unemployment and reviewing your severance package. Understand your health insurance options and create a budget to manage expenses effectively during this transition. 🪴Focus on your well-being: Acknowledge and process the emotions that come with job loss – it's natural. Utilize this time for self-care, whether through traveling, hobbies or exercise, to stay positive and resilient. Maintain a consistent routine to provide structure and a sense of normalcy during a time of upheaval. 💻 Proactively rebuild your career: Consider upskilling or reskilling through online courses or workshops to boost your marketability. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight achievements and target desired roles. Actively network with former colleagues and industry contacts, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to seek advice and potential leads. * Resume tips: https://lnkd.in/gSu7-ahs * LinkedIn profile tips: https://lnkd.in/ggJkW7RJ 💡Remember, being laid off is not a reflection of your worth or capabilities, but rather a consequence of business decisions. By addressing your immediate needs, prioritizing your well-being, and strategically preparing for your next career chapter, you can navigate this challenging period with resilience and emerge stronger than before. 🚀 #Layoffs #CareerTransition #JobSearch #Resilience #Networking #OpenToWork

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐒. You never think it will happen to you, but look around and see how many people fall into that category. It's jarring and humbling to receive the news that you're being impacted by a RIF (reduction in force). I didn't feel prepared when my layoff happened earlier this year. 𝑩𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔: You can't control when a RIF happens and if you'll be impacted. 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔: You can control the following items in advance to be a little more prepared in case you're impacted by a layoff: 💲 Get your finances in order and have at least a few months of living expenses on hand. Yes, you'll qualify for unemployment, but in many states it's a relatively nominal amount for a short period of time. Bonus: have an income stream outside of your full time job. 💢 Build and maintain your network. Networking is about building authentic relationships. You'll have a much easier time navigating a job search if you have a strong network that is actively engaged. ☑ Have an updated resume and LinkedIn profile so you're ready to hit the ground running. These two pieces are critical to navigating a search. 🔷 Keep work samples, metrics and KPIs, quotes and testimonials from colleagues. Keep information on hand that will help you to update a resume, create a portfolio, or share during an interview. You likely won't have access to your files and work computer after a layoff, so keep the information you want in a place where you can access it. I wish someone would have shared this advice with me PRIOR to my layoff. What else would you add to the list? #learninganddevelopment #talentmanagement #careerdevelopment #layoffs #jobsearchjourney #jobsearchhelp

Layoffs are hard. And I just got laid off. It wasn't unexpected but it still wasn't easy. In the wake of that, I wanted to talk about how to recover from being laid off since it is something many have or will soon experience. In an era where signs of an impending recession are looming and numerous job sectors have already experienced massive layoffs, this conversation felt relevant to have. Right now, I'm navigating the sea of emotions that come with a layoff – frustration, sadness, worries about bills, and concerns about what comes next. So, here are a few strategies to manage, regroup, and move forward after a layoff: ✅ Take time to talk with confidants and those in you field and understand your emotions. Don't rush into job search mode immediately. Assess your situation and take care of your emotional health. ✅ Reach out to your network for support in finding a new position. I've experienced the power of a supportive network firsthand and it's a reminder that you're not alone in this process. ✅ You haven't lost your worth as an employee. It's easy to question your abilities and past performance following a layoff. Separate the action of being laid off from your value as a professional. ✅ Use this time to reflect on your career goals. Consider both the positive and negative aspects of your previous job. Redefine your non-negotiables and prioritize what you want in your next role. Regular reflection will ensure you stay true to your priorities. ✅ Set new goals. Establish daily, weekly, or monthly goals to maintain a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's applying to new jobs, networking, or upskilling, these goals will help you focus on what you can control. Embrace change and challenges as opportunities for growth. In the grand scheme, getting laid off serves as a reminder that job security is never guaranteed, even with hard work and recognition. #layoffs #networking #instructionaldesign #resilience #jobsearch #growthmindset #linkedinsupport

I’ve been mentoring for some years now, and in the past year I’ve seen a shift in the conversations I’m having. The focus is now mostly on layoffs, hiring freezes and the economic uncertainty that is shaping the industry. Many companies were previously hiring at an astounding rate, and are now slowing down so looking for a job in a highly competitive location and skillset that's had a lot of layoffs recently, yes, it's going to be rough. No need to sugarcoat it. In the past few months I’ve heard so many stories of folks that are so frustrated with sending out dozens of applications out on Indeed and LinkedIn and getting absolutely nothing in response. What I try to do in my mentoring sessions is never to be toxically positive and focus on the best-case scenario (“I’m sure you will find what you’re looking for”), my goal is to discuss how time and resources can be best used while we face the challenges and frustrations tied to the current state of the job market. Of course, on the bright side it’s not crazy to think that things could be drastically different in 3 months or a year from now. And that even in a downright depression, there will be certain companies that grow and hire. But for someone who has been laid off in the tech industry, focusing on learning new skills, improving their portfolio, and networking with others can be an excellent strategy for getting back on their feet and finding new opportunities. As long as you're not taking on a huge amount of debt or putting yourself into any risky financial situations (which is something you have to decide for yourself), and you're ok with the worst-case scenarios, my advice is to identify in-demand skills in the tech industry and consider online courses, tutorials, and certifications to acquire these skills. That, along with enhancing existing projects and create new ones to showcase skills and experience, will contribute to ease the pressure of not having a purpose (which happens a lot when we don’t have a job) and build a strong personal brand. So invest some of your time and begin training and learning. Spend the down business cycle building your knowledge and skills so when the wave builds up, you are there. Don’t wait for the industry to be growing to start. Start now and you’ll be better off the next major expansion. Happy to chat with everyone that needs support now: https://lnkd.in/gdcnwee

my real advice to anyone going through a layoff, from someone who was affected by the tech layoffs: (1) find a job that meets your NEEDS. realistically your next job immediately after being laid off isn’t going to be the $100,000 or 200,000+ offer. unless you have a strong personal and professional network with people in hiring or influential leadership positions, then those lucrative six figure salaries are accessible. (2) you’re going to have to take a pay cut and that’s okay because this isn’t your forever job. this is a temporary job to meet you immediate need(s). depending on your current living and financial circumstances will tell you how much of a pay cut you can realistically afford. (3) if you’re a recruiter, YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS SHOULD NOT BEING RECRUITING JOBS. you need to widened you job search to 10-20 adjacent jobs and job titles to recruiting or talent acquisition. (4) learn how to pitch yourself and create a cold call strategy to ask if people are hiring (5) look at the local school district near you and see their openings. (6) look at your local colleges and universities and see their openings. (7) take a TRUE holistic look at your finances: when does your severance end, how many months do you have until you’re in the urgent zone, how many months do you have until you’re at zero, how long can you live on your savings, do you qualify for unemployment and government aid (8) identify the people that can give you TANGIBLE help and seek TANGIBLE advice from

Why is 2024 trying so hard to be a bad reboot of 2023? Seeing tech layoffs accelerate at the beginning of the year is sad to see. Some advice from someone who was laid off last year; Embrace your community. You now have a bond with a group of people you never intended to have. Lean on each other. Talk about the resources that the company is giving you. Talk through any confusion you have on severance. Really understand the terms you are signing for. Apply for unemployment. I did immediately. This varies by state and exactly how your severance is being paid out. Iron out your logistics. There are probably a lot of things your company was paying for that you now need to buy yourself. I needed a cell phone, cell plan, computer, and random other unexpected expenses that I wish I knew I would need during black friday. Costco allows 90 day returns on electronics to take some of the time pressure off you. Audited all you benefits to make sure I am not leaving anything on the table. I realized that I can use my “Backup Child Care” benefit to cover 10 days of my daughters summer camp (you should have 15 days total but her pre-school runs partially through July). I will have 1 pair of sunglasses to pick up through my VSP benefit. It sucks, it is ok to feel shitty. We are all just doing the best we can. Be kind to yourself. -Andre

One of my clients was laid off a couple months ago. After years in the startup space and experiencing multiple layoffs, she began to doubt her career decisions. She was looking for clarity and direction. She sought my help to strategically navigate her job search. Here’s how we did it: Clarified her needs and goals. We discussed her financial, lifestyle and career needs. Understanding where she stood was a critical starting point. Leaned into her network. She reached out to former colleagues and bosses. Her strong track record made them eager to support. Engaged her hustle and endurance. She researched each company thoroughly and endured countless rounds of intense interviews and assessments. Didn’t let fear drive her decision. Tempted to settle, she remained patient and focused, ultimately securing a job that aligned with her goals and values. She accepted an offer with a tech company she’s been excited about for a long time. Her journey highlights the importance of clarity, relationships, resilience and patience. Regardless of the job market, knowing your value and staying true to your goals will steer your career in the right direction.

How confident are you in your Financial Wellness if you got laid off today? I know this sounds bleak… But it’s reality. Black women are affected by tech layoffs in an astounding way… According to a National Centre for Women & Information Technology, Black women account for only 3% of the tech industry. I picture a client telling me she’s been laid off and this is what I observe: She is relaxed. She sees it as a new opportunity. She sees her options to continue to work in her field, change careers, go back to her old company, find another role at the same company, start a business, or take a sabbatical. She knows she’s marketable. She doesn’t have to settle. She knows she has options. Why? Because she’s been planning for this. She’s been working with me to plan her financial future. She’s secure knowing she doesn’t have to rely on anyone for her financial security and peace of mind. Here are 6️⃣ areas we’ve been monitoring for her financial wellness. - 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘄𝗮𝘆. I call it Liquid term (Lt) as it’s one of the 12 Elements of Financial Wellness I measure. If you are relying only on one stream of income, You need at least 6 months savings readily available to you. This money is not invested. It’s liquid. - 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸-𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿. I call this Total term(Tt). Taking into account your assets in proportion to your spending. Answer the question: How long can I live off my assets? Knowing this provides clues on what your salary should be. - 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄 I don’t subscribe to budgeting in the traditional sense but I’ve adopted Behavior-Based Cash Flow Planning. I show you how to compartmentalize your money to take care of your committed & spendable expenses. - 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿 Have a community you can reach out to who are supportive which includes friends, family & colleagues. Seek counseling if necessary. - 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Your net worth is tied to your network. When you’re ready, reach out to your network. Using Linkedin, previous employers, friends, & colleagues. - 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 Reassess what you want your next role to look like. You have time to do this when you set a proper foundation. Remember you’re allowed to be upset, disappointed, & angry. Remember you can look at this as a time to reflect on what type of work is most important to you. If you are monitoring your Financial Wellness you can face this new life transition with 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 that everything will be fine. That’s what I want for you. What else would you add? Hi! I’m Shehara (Sha-Hair-Rah) Wooten, CFP®. If you are a Black Woman in STEM and need help comment or DM "PEACE". Ring 🔔 for inspiration, motivation & financial empowerment tips.